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Perry to pursue Tree City USA membership, council approves annual Arbor Day proclamation routine
Summary
Council agreed to pursue Tree City USA membership and approved the mayor signing an annual Arbor Day proclamation; staff noted the program requires a budget commitment to tree care and improves grant opportunities for tree-related projects.
Perry City will pursue membership in Tree City USA and will make an annual Arbor Day proclamation as part of the application process.
City Administrator Bob Barnhill explained the membership requirements to the council: the city must demonstrate financial commitment to tree maintenance and planting, formally proclaim an Arbor Day each year, and meet basic program standards. Barnhill said the City’s current tree inventory and maintenance practices mean Perry already meets the rough budget requirement (he cited the program’s typical guideline of about $2 per resident for tree programs). He said membership can open better grant opportunities for tree projects and provide community recognition such as flags and promotional materials.
City Attorney Bill Morris added context from his previous experience with Tree City USA, and City Recorder/Finance Director Shanna Johnson said she would revise proclamation language to remove references to "renewing" the program because this is the city’s first application. Public Works will lead the program and related grant pursuits.
No formal budget action occurred at the meeting; staff will include Tree City USA membership work in upcoming project planning and grant-seeking efforts.
